Sunscreen 101: How to Choose the Right Sunscreen

Are you going to the beach, shopping, or just hanging out with friends? Don’t forget to wear your sunscreen. No matter what the weather is or if you’are at the beach or hitting the slopes, sunscreen is needed for protection. The sun’s harmful UV rays will cause your skin to age prematurely, and even lead to skin cancer.

How to choose the right sunscreen

Make sure the sunscreen has enough SPF rating to block the UV rays. Depending on your skin sensitivity, you may have to take photo-sensitising medication such as isotretinoin or tetracycline.

A number determines the SPF ratings. For example, an SPF-30 sunscreen allows 1/30 of the sun’s UV rays to get through to the skin, in other words, protects around 97% of the sun’s rays. An SPF-50+ allows 1/50 of the sun’s rays or 98% and so on. Make sure to reapply every two hours to get the best usage.

What to look for in a sunscreen:

1.Period After Opening (PAO)

A sunscreen’s ingredients break down easily even while on the shelf. Remember to check the expiry date, so you don’t purchase old stock. Remember to also use up the sunscreen before buying a new one.

The period-after-opening symbol or PAO symbol is a graphic symbol that identifies the useful lifetime of a cosmetic product after its package has been opened for the first time. It depicts an open cosmetics pot and is used together with a written number of months or years.

No dangerous ingredients

Please make sure the ingredients do not contain oxybenzone as it is a hormone disruptor and may cause allergic reactions.

Avoid spray and powder SPF

Avoid spray and powder-based sunscreens as it contains minerals and nanoparticles that can be absorbed into the bloodstream and lead to health issues.

Higher SPF Sunscreen

Always purchase high SPF ratings. A minimum of SPF15+ is recommended. However, SPF30+ offers better protection. Also make sure it is water resistant.

Children-friendly sunscreen

Children have more sensitive skin than adults and are more prone to allergic reactions. Make sure your sunscreen do not contain para-aminobenzoic acid or BAPA and benzophenones.

Oil-Free Sunscreen

People with oily face are prone to acne, make sure to buy water-based and oil-free sunscreen.

Get summer ready with your SPF on and never forget to use sunscreen after knowing how to choose the right one!

Refer to Okadoc website and ask our Okadoctors for more info about sunscreen.